Document processing method and system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a document processing method and system which implement display that improves efficiency and usability of edit operations when inserting, moving, or copying &amp; pasting data, by taking full advantage of the feature of retaining data and set values hierarchically in the system. In document processing for editing a document consisting of multiple sets of original data, when a user moves a graphic object which represents a desired original by dragging it on the document in order to move or copy the desired original data to a certain position on the document, the present invention detects the boundary between originals in the document, nearest to the position of the cursor dragging the graphic object which represents the desired original, and displays an identifiable mark on the boundary between originals in the document.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a document processing method andsystem, which, for example, compile output data generated by variousprograms such as document processing programs and image editing programsinto one document and provide capabilities to edit the document. Moreparticularly, it relates to a document processing method and system fora system consisting of an information processing unit—such as a personalcomputer—and a printer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Since structures defining data such as characters, tables, andimages and operations for editing the data vary with the kind of data,various application programs are provided to accommodate different kindsof data. Users use different applications according to kinds of data:they use character processing programs to edit characters, spread sheetprograms to edit tables image editing programs to edit images, and soon.

[0003] In this way, it is common practice for users to use a differentapplication program for each kind of data. However, a document createdby a user generally consists of two or more kinds of data such ascharacters and tables, characters and images, and so on instead of onekind of data such as characters only, tables only, or images only.Consequently, when creating a document containing two or more kinds ofdata, the user must print data on each application using a printfunction of the application and combine resulting prints in a desiredorder.

[0004] There is a program called an office suite which combine variousapplications into a single integrated application. Some office suitesprovide capability to combine data generated by various applicationsinto one document. By using such an integrated application, a user cancompile data created on individual applications into a desired documentby means of a particular application contained in the integratedapplication.

[0005] However, when combining prints produced by various applicationsinto a desired document, in order, for example, to number its pages, theuser must print out all necessary data and print a compiled document ona trial basis to determine the page numbers to be assigned to the finaldocument. Then, by using each application, the user must enter thedetermined page numbers in the pages (called logical pages or originalpages) of the originals created on the each application. Even if anapplication program has a capability to number pages, the user muststill specify a page number after any discontinuity. Also, if pages ofthe desired document are rearranged, the user must reassign page numbersaccordingly. Besides, even in the case of a format change which simplyinvolves, for example, merging two or more original pages into one pageof printed matter (called a physical page or print page) or changingfrom simplex printing to duplex printing rather than changes in datacontent, the user must edit and print the pages again using theappropriate application.

[0006] In this way, since different applications can manage onlydifferent kinds of data, the user must provide interfaces betweenapplications manually. This requires a great deal of labor from theuser, resulting in reduced productivity. Furthermore, manualintervention, a lot of which is involved, is prone to errors.

[0007] On the other hand, when creating a desired document using anintegrated application, various data can be laid out as they are withoutprinting them out. This does not require so much labor as when creatinga desired document by combining prints. However, applications forediting and creating various data are limited to those contained in theintegrated application and desired applications are not alwaysavailable. Besides, the desired document created by the integratedapplication is a single document file and is edited, output, orotherwise managed on a file-by-file basis. Therefore, if the user wantsto format part of the document file, there are many restrictions due toapplications capabilities. For example, the user must reformat eachdifferently formatted part and print it again. This requires a lot oflabor and is no different in low productivity from the method describedabove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present applicant proposed a system which retained data bythe page to lay out and print it according to various settings. However,although this system retained data hierarchically, it retained settingsonly on the level of an entire document and did not allow localsettings. To take N-up printing, a typical layout setting, as anexample, the proposed system allowed 2-up printing to be specified foran entire document, but did not allow the setting for part of thedocument to be changed to 4-up printing. On the other hand, systemswhich allow settings to be specified separately for each part retainattributes for individual parts separately rather than for all the partsas a whole and do not allow settings to be changed for all the parts atonce. Thus, a system is desired which will allow both global and localsettings by retaining various settings at each level of a hierarchy inaddition to retaining data hierarchically.

[0009] Such a system will make it possible to perform edit operations ofmoving or copying & pasting any subtree such as a page or a set of pagesin addition to changing settings.

[0010] Thus, the object of the present invention is to provide adocument processing method and system which implement display thatimproves efficiency and usability of edit operations when inserting,moving, or copying & pasting data, by taking full advantage of thefeature of retaining data and set values hierarchically in the system.

[0011] To achieve the above problem, the present invention provides adocument processing method of editing a document formed from a pluralityof originals, comprising; a first display control step of controlling aprocess of displaying a graphic object representing a desired originalsuch that the graphic object moves on a document in response toinstructions to drag the graphic object, when moving or copying theabove described desired original on a certain portion of the document;and a recognition step of recognizing a boundary between originals inthe document, near a position of a cursor for dragging the graphicobject, wherein the above described first display control step controlsa process of displaying a mark for indicating to which areas on bothsides of the boundary the above described desired original be to belong.

[0012] The above described mark is a bar which represents the boundarybetween originals in the above described document. Also, the abovedescribed bar is displayed as a thicker line, in a deeper color, or in adifferent color than other graphic objects. Also, the above describeddocument is stored in a tree structure of originals, and furthercomprises a second display control step of controlling a process ofdisplaying a first display screen in which the tree structure is shownand a second display screen in which the tree structure is not shown,wherein the above described second display control step controls aprocess of assigning a bar indicating a belonging node to a boundary ata higher level on the second display screen. Also, the above describeddocument is stored in a tree structure of originals, and furthercomprises a third display control step of controlling a process ofdisplaying a first display area where a tree structure is shown and asecond display area where the tree structure is not shown, on a singlescreen, wherein the above described third display control step controlsdisplay processes so that a bar indicating a belonging node is assignedto a boundary at a higher level when the cursor is located in the seconddisplay area. Also, the above described first display screen, a treeshowing a document structure in a tree format is displayed, and in theabove described second display screen, a preview showing content ofprint data is displayed. Also, the above described first display area, atree showing a document structure in a tree format is displayed, and inthe above described second display area, a preview showing content ofprint data is displayed. Also, there are two bars indicating a belongingnode and valid one of the above described two bars is displayed. Also,there are two bars indicating a belonging node and valid one of theabove described two bars is displayed in such a way that the abovedescribed valid one can be distinguished from the other. Also, the abovedescribed tree structure contains a hierarchical structure consisting ofa document, chapters and pages. Also, further comprises a judging stepof judging whether the boundary between originals nearest to the abovedescribed cursor is a boundary of print data, when the cursor is locatedon a display screen indicating that the plurality of originals have beenmerged into one page of print data, wherein the above described firstdisplay control step assigns a different bar depending on whether or notthe boundary between originals is a boundary of the print data. Also,when the above described dragged graphic object representing the desiredoriginal is dropped, the desired original is inserted into a place wherethe above described mark is displayed.

[0013] Also, the present invention provides a document processing methodfor editing a document consisting of a plurality of originals, whereinthe above described document has a tree structure, and the abovedescribed originals and nodes have their respective attributes, and theabove described method comprising a display control step of controllinga process of displaying a mark indicating whether the attributes areunique to the originals and nodes, with graphic objects of the originalsand nodes.

[0014] Also, the present invention provides a document processing systemfor editing a document formed from a plurality of originals, comprising;a display control unit for controlling a process of displaying a graphicobject representing a desired original such that the graphic objectmoves on a document in response to instructions to drag the graphicobject, when moving or copying the above described desired original on acertain portion of the document; and a recognition unit for recognizinga boundary between originals in the document, near a position of acursor for dragging the graphic object, wherein the above describeddisplay control unit controls a process of displaying a mark forindicating to which areas on both sides of the boundary the abovedescribed desired original be to belong.

[0015] Also, the present invention provides a document processingapparatus for editing a document formed from a plurality of originals,comprising; a first display control unit for controlling a process ofdisplaying a graphic object representing a desired original such thatthe graphic object moves on a document in response to instructions todrag the graphic object, when moving or copying the above describeddesired original on a certain portion of the document; and a recognitionunit for recognizing a boundary between originals in the document, neara position of a cursor for dragging the graphic object, wherein theabove described first display control unit controls a process ofdisplaying a mark for indicating to which areas on both sides of theboundary the above described desired original be to belong.

[0016] The above described mark is a bar which represents the boundarybetween originals in the above described document. Also, the abovedescribed first display control unit displays the above described bar asa thicker line, in a deeper color, or in a different color than othergraphic objects. Also, the above described document is stored in a treestructure of originals, and further comprises a second display controlunit for controlling a process of displaying a first display screen inwhich the tree structure is shown and a second display screen in whichthe tree structure is not shown, wherein the above described seconddisplay control unit controls a process of assigning a bar indicating abelonging node to a boundary at a higher level on the second displayscreen. Also, the above described document is stored in a tree structureof originals, and further comprises a third display control unit forcontrolling a process of displaying a first display area where a treestructure is shown and a second display area where the tree structure isnot shown, on a single screen, wherein the above described third displaycontrol step controls display processes so that a bar indicating abelonging node is assigned to a boundary at a higher level when thecursor is located in the second display area. Also, the above describedfirst display screen, a tree showing a document structure in a treeformat is displayed, and in the above described second display screen, apreview showing content of print data is displayed. Also, the abovedescribed first display area, a tree showing a document structure in atree format is displayed, and in the above described second displayarea, a preview showing content of print data is displayed. Also, thereare two bars indicating a belonging node and the above described firstdisplay control unit displays valid one of the above described two bars.Also, there are two bars indicating a belonging node and the abovedescribed first display control unit displays valid one of the abovedescribed two bars in such a way that the above described valid one canbe distinguished from the other. Also, the above described treestructure contains a hierarchical structure consisting of a document,chapters and pages. Also, further comprises a judging unit for judgingwhether the boundary between originals nearest to the above describedcursor is a boundary of print data, when the cursor is located on adisplay screen indicating that the plurality of originals have beenmerged into one page of print data, wherein the above described firstdisplay control unit assigns a different bar depending on whether or notthe boundary between originals is a boundary of the print data. Also,further comprises an original inserting unit for inserting the desiredoriginal into the place where the above described mark is displayedwherein when the above described dragged graphic object representing thedesired original is dropped.

[0017] Also, the present invention provides a document processingapparatus for editing a document consisting of a plurality of originals,wherein the above described document has a tree structure, and the abovedescribed originals and nodes have their respective attributes,comprising; a distinguishing unit for distinguishing whether theattributes are unique to the originals and nodes; and a display controlunit for displaying a mark indicating the result of distinction withgraphic objects of the originals and nodes.

[0018] Also, the present invention provides a document processingprogram for editing a document consisting of a plurality of originals,comprising; a first display control module for controlling a process ofdisplaying a graphic object representing a desired original such thatthe graphic object moves on a document in response to instructions todrag the graphic object, when moving or copying the above describeddesired original on a certain portion of the document; and a recognitionmodule for recognizing a boundary between originals in the document,near a position of a cursor for dragging the graphic object, wherein theabove described first display control module controls a process ofdisplaying a mark for indicating to which areas on both sides of theboundary said desired original be to belong.

[0019] Also, the above described document is stored in a tree structureof originals, and further comprises; a second display control module forcontrolling a process of displaying a first display screen in which thetree structure is shown and a second display screen in which the treestructure is not shown, wherein the above described second displaycontrol module controls a process of assigning a bar indicating abelonging node to a boundary at a higher level on the second displayscreen; and a third display control module for controlling a process ofdisplaying a first display area where a tree structure is shown and asecond display area where the tree structure is not shown, on a singlescreen, wherein the above described third display control modulecontrols display processes so that a bar indicating a belonging node isassigned to a boundary at a higher level when the cursor is located inthe second display area.

[0020] Also, the present invention provides a document processingprogram for editing a document consisting of a plurality of originals,wherein the above described document has a tree structure, and the abovedescribed original and nodes have their respective attributes,comprising a display control module for controlling a process ofdisplaying a mark indicating whether the attributes are unique to theoriginals and nodes, with graphic objects of the originals and nodes.

[0021] Also, the present invention provides a computer-readablerecording medium for storing a document processing program for editing adocument consisting of a plurality of originals, the above describedprogram comprising; a first display control module for controlling aprocess of displaying a graphic object representing a desired originalsuch that the graphic object moves on a document in response toinstructions to drag the graphic object, when moving or copying theabove described desired original on a certain portion of the document;and a recognition module for recognizing a boundary between originals inthe document, near a position of a cursor for dragging the graphicobject, wherein the above described first display control modulecontrols a process of displaying a mark for indicating to which areas onboth sides of the boundary the above described desired original be tobelong.

[0022] The above described document is stored in a tree structure oforiginals, and further comprises; a second display control module forcontrolling a process of displaying a first display screen in which thetree structure is shown and a second display screen in which the treestructure is not shown, wherein the above described second displaycontrol module controls a process of assigning a bar indicating abelonging node to a boundary at a higher level on the second displayscreen; and a third display control module for controlling a process ofdisplaying a first display area where a tree structure is shown and asecond display area where the tree structure is not shown, on a singlescreen, wherein the above described third display control modulecontrols display processes so that a bar indicating a belonging node isassigned to a boundary at a higher level when the cursor is located inthe second display area.

[0023] Also, the present invention provides a computer-readablerecording medium for storing a document processing program for editing adocument consisting of a plurality of originals, wherein the abovedescribed document has a tree structure, and the above describedoriginal and nodes have their respective attributes, the above describedprogram comprising a display control module for controlling a process ofdisplaying a mark indicating whether the attributes are unique to theoriginals and nodes, with graphic objects of the originals and nodes.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary softwareconfiguration of a stand-alone document processing system according tothis embodiment;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration ofhardware which implements the document processing system according tothis embodiment;

[0027]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a bookfile;

[0028]FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a list of book attributes;

[0029]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a list of chapter attributes;

[0030]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a list of page attributes;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing exemplary procedures for opening abook file;

[0032]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of user interface screensbrought up when a new book file is opened;

[0033]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of user interface screensbrought up when an existing book file is opened;

[0034]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing exemplary procedures for importingan electronic original file into a book file;

[0035]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing exemplary procedures for convertingapplication data into an electronic original file in Step 801 in FIG.10;

[0036]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an exemplary data structure for usein print and display operations;

[0037]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an exemplary softwareconfiguration of a client/server document processing system;

[0038]FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an exemplary dialog window for use inmaking settings for a entire document at the top level of the datastructure;

[0039]FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an exemplary dialog window for use inmaking settings for chapters at the middle level of the data structure;

[0040]FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the dialog window inwhich unique attributes have been specified;

[0041]FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an exemplary dialog window for use inmaking settings for pages at the bottom level of the data structure;

[0042]FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of how settings arechanged on the dialog window of FIG. 17;

[0043]FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example after settingsunique to chapters and pages have been made;

[0044]FIG. 20A is a diagram showing an example of a document to becopied and pasted;

[0045]FIG. 20B is a diagram showing an example of a document to becopied and pasted when it has no unique setting;

[0046]FIG. 20C is a diagram showing an example of copy and paste resultswhen there is no unique setting;

[0047]FIG. 20D is a diagram showing an example of copy and paste resultswhen there is no unique setting;

[0048]FIG. 21A is a diagram showing an example of a document to becopied and pasted;

[0049]FIG. 21B is a diagram showing an example of a document to becopied and pasted when it has unique settings;

[0050]FIG. 21C is a diagram showing an example of copy and paste resultswhen there are unique settings;

[0051]FIG. 21D is a diagram showing an example of copy and paste resultswhen there are unique settings;

[0052]FIG. 21E is a diagram showing an example of copy and paste resultswhen there are unique settings;

[0053]FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an exemplary process of insertingdata;

[0054]FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process of pasting anentire document;

[0055]FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process of pastingchapters;

[0056]FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process of pastingpages;

[0057]FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of display method in anedit process;

[0058]FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of display method in anedit process;

[0059]FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of display method in anedit process;

[0060]FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of display method in anedit process;

[0061]FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of display method in anedit process;

[0062]FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of display method in anedit process;

[0063]FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of display method in anedit process;

[0064]FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of display method in anedit process; and

[0065]FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing exemplary procedures of a displaymethod in an edit process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be describedin detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] [Outline of Document Processing System According to thisEmbodiment]

[0068] A document processing system according to a first embodiment ofthe present invention will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.In this system, a data file created by a general application isconverted by an electronic original writer into an electronic originalfile. A book editing application provides the capability to edit theelectronic original file. Incidentally, although in this example, thegeneral application, the electronic original writer, the book editingapplication, and an electronic original despooler are shown separatelyto indicate their respective functions distinctly, packages provided tousers are not limited to this and may contain an application or graphicengine which consists of a combination of these applications. Detailswill be described below.

[0069] <Exemplary Software Configuration of Document Processing SystemAccording to this Embodiment>

[0070]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of thedocument processing system according to this embodiment.

[0071] The document processing system is implemented by a digitalcomputer 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a host computer), which isa preferred embodiment of a document processing device of the presentinvention. A general application 101 is an application program whichprovides word processing, spreadsheet, photo retouching, draw or paint,presentation, text editing, and other functions. It also has a printfunction for an OS. Such an application uses a designated interface(usually referred to as GDI) provided by the operating system (OS) toprint application data such as created document data and image data.Thus, to print created data, the application 101 sends a predetermined,OS-dependent, output command (called a GDI function) to an output moduleof the OS which provides the interface. Upon receiving the outputcommand, the output module converts the command into a format which canbe handled by a printer or other output devices and outputs theconverted command (called a DDI function). The format which can behandled by output devices depends on the device type, manufacturer,machine type, and the like, and thus a device driver is provided foreach device. By using such device drivers, the OS converts the command,generates print data, and describes it in a JL (Job Language) togenerates a print job. If the OS used is Microsoft Windows, the outputmodule used is a module called GDI (Graphic Device Interface).

[0072] An electronic original writer 102 is an improved form of a devicedriver and is a software module provided to implement this documentprocessing system. However, the electronic original writer 102 is notintended for a specific output device and converts output commands intoa format which can be handled by a book editing application 104 andprinter driver 106 described later. Any format may be used as the formatresulting from conversion by the electronic original writer 102(hereinafter referred to as an “electronic original format”) as long asit can describe a original in detail on a page-by-page basis. Amongpractical standard formats, Adobe Systems' PDF format or SVG format canbe adopted as an electronic original format.

[0073] To make the application 101 use the electronic original writer102, the electronic original writer 102 should be specified, before aprint run, as a device driver for use to produce output. However, anelectronic original file as created by the electronic original writer102 is not properly formatted. Thus, it is the book editing application104 that specifies the electronic original writer 102 as a device driverand application data is converted into an electronic original file underits direction. The book editing application 104 brings the newincomplete electronic original file generated by the electronic originalwriter 102 to completion to obtain such a properly formatted electronicoriginal file as described later. Hereinafter, if this point needs to beidentified clearly, the files created by the electronic original writer102 will be referred to as electronic original files and the filesformatted by the book editing application will be referred to as bookfiles. Otherwise, document files, electronic original files, and bookfiles generated by applications will all be referred to as documentfiles (or document data).

[0074] In this way, when the electronic original writer 102 is specifiedas a device driver and the general application 101 is instructed toprint data, application data is converted into an electronic originalmade up of pages (hereinafter referred to as “logical pages” or“original pages”) defined by the application 101 and is stored as anelectronic original file 103 in a storage medium such as a hard disk.Incidentally, the hard disk may be a local drive provided on thecomputer which implements the document processing system of thisembodiment or may be a drive provided on a network if the computer isconnected to the network.

[0075] The book editing application 104 provides the user withcapability to read and edit an electronic original file or book file103. However, it does not provide capability to edit contents ofindividual pages. Instead it provides capability to edit chapters andbooks (described later) made up of pages, which are the smallest units.

[0076] To print the book file 103 edited by the book editing application104, the book editing application 104 starts an electronic originaldespooler 105. The electronic original despooler 105 is a program moduleinstalled together with the book editing application in the computer andis used to output drawing data to a printer driver when printing adocument (book file) which uses the book editing application. Theelectronic original despooler 105 reads a specified book file from thehard disk, generates an output command compatible with the output moduleof the OS to print pages in the format described in the book file, andoutputs the output command to the output module (not shown). In sodoing, a driver 106 of a printer 107 used as an output device isspecified as a device driver. Using the specified printer driver 106 ofthe printer 107, the output module converts the received output commandinto a device command which can be interpreted and executed by theprinter 107. The device command is transmitted to the printer 107, whichthen prints images according to the command.

[0077] <Exemplary Hardware Configuration of the Document ProcessingSystem According to this Embodiment>

[0078]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of thedocument processing system according to this embodiment. In the figure,the host computer 100 comprises a CPU 201 which processes a documentcontaining a mixture of graphics, images, characters, tables (includingspreadsheets), etc. based on a document processing program and the likestored in a program ROM or external memory 211 in a ROM 203 and whichcollectively controls various devices connected to a system bus 204.Also, the program ROM or external memory 211 in the ROM 203 stores anoperating system program—which is a control program of the CPU 201—andthe like, a font ROM or the external memory 211 in the ROM 203 storesfont data for use during the document processing, and a data ROM or theexternal memory 211 in the ROM 203 stores various data for use duringthe document processing and the like. A RAM 202 functions as a mainmemory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201.

[0079] A keyboard controller (KBC) 205 controls input from a keyboard209 and pointing device (not shown). A CRT controller (CRTC) 206controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 210. Reference numeral 207denotes a disk controller (DKC), which controls access to and from thehard disk (HD) and the external memory 211 such as a floppy disk (FD)that store a boot program, various applications, font data, user files,edited files, printer control command generating programs (hereinafterreferred to as printer drivers), and the like. A printer controller(PRTC) 208 is connected to the printer 107 via a bidirectional interface(interface) 21 and controls communications with the printer 107. An NC212 is connected to a network and controls communications with otherequipment.

[0080] The CPU 201 rasterizes outline fonts in a display information RAMprovided in the RAM 202 to enable WYSIWIG on the CRT 210. Also, the CPU201 opens various registered windows according to commands indicated bya mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 210 and performsvarious types of data processing. When printing something, the user canopen a print setting window and specify a printing method to the printerdriver, including printer settings and selection of a print mode.

[0081] The printer 107 is controlled by a CPU 312. The printer CPU 312outputs image signals as output information to a printer engine 317connected to a system bus 315, based on a control program and the likestored in a program ROM in a ROM 313 or a control program and the likestored in an external memory 314. The program ROM in the ROM 313 storesa control program and the like for the CPU 312. A font ROM in the ROM313 stores font data and the like for use in generating the outputinformation described above while a data ROM in the ROM 313 storesinformation and the like for use on the host computer in case theprinter is not provided with an external memory 314 such as a hard disk.

[0082] The CPU 312 can conduct communications with the host computer 100via an input unit 318 and convey information and the like stored in theprinter to the host computer 100. A RAM 319 functions as a main memory,work area, and the like for the CPU 312, and memory capacity can beexpanded if an optional RAM is connected to an expansion port (notshown). The RAM 319 is used as an output information extraction area,environment data storage area, NVRAM, or the like. Access to theexternal memory 314 such as the hard disk (HD) or an IC card iscontrolled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 314 isconnected optionally and stores font data, emulation programs and formdata. Reference numeral 321 denotes a control panel equipped withcontrol switches, LED indicators, etc.

[0083] Regarding the external memory 314 described above, more than oneexternal memory containing programs for interpreting installed fonts,option cards, and different printer control languages may be connected.Furthermore, NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer modesetting information received from the control panel 321.

[0084] <Sample Format for Electronic Original Data>

[0085] Before going into details of the book editing application 104, adata format of a book file will be described. A book file has athree-level structure modeled after a paper-based book. The top level,which is modeled after a book, is called “book” and defines attributesrelated to the entire book. The middle level directly below the toplevel corresponds to the chapter of a book and called “chapter.”Attributes can be defined for each chapter. The bottom level, called“page,” corresponds to the pages defined by an application program.Also, attributes can be defined for each page. One book may contain twoor more chapters and one chapter may contain two or more pages.

[0086]FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a sample format for abook file. The book, chapters, and pages in the book file of thisexample are represented by corresponding nodes. One book file containedone book. The book and chapter, which are concepts used to define thestructure of the book, contain defined attribute values and links tolower levels as their substance. The page has data on each pageoutputted by the application program, as its substance. Thus, the pagecontains the substance of the original page (original page data) andlinks to original page data in addition to its attribute values.Incidentally, a page printed out on a paper medium or the like maycontain two or more original pages. This structure is not indicated by alink, but it is indicated as attributes at the book, chapter, and pagelevels.

[0087] In FIG. 3, the book file does not need to be a complete book, andthus a “book” is generalized as a “document.”

[0088] At the top level is document information 401, which is roughlydivided into three parts 402, 403, and 404. Document control information402 contains information such as a path name of the document file in afile system. Document setting information 403, which corresponds to bookattributes, contains layout information such as page layout and functionsetting information about printers such as stapling. A chapterinformation list 404 contains a list of chapters composing the document.The list contains chapter information 405.

[0089] The chapter information 405 is also roughly divided into threeparts 406, 407, and 408. Chapter control information 406 containsinformation such as a chapter name. Chapter setting information 407,which corresponds to chapter attributes, contains page layout, stapling,and other information unique to a given chapter. As setting informationis retained for each chapter, it is possible to create a document with acomplex layout consisting, for example, of a 2-up layout for the firstchapter and a 4-up layout for the other chapters. A page informationlist 408 contains a list of original pages composing a given chapter.The page information list 408 points to page information data 409.

[0090] The page information data 409 is also roughly divided into threeparts 410, 411, and 412. Page control information 410 containsinformation such as a page number to be displayed on the tree. Pagesetting information 411, which corresponds to original page attributes,contains information such as a rotation angle and placement location ofa given page. Page link information 412 constitutes original data whichcorresponds to the page. In this example, the page information 409contains only link information 412 instead of containing original datadirectly and the actual original data is retained by a page data list413.

[0091]FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a list of exemplary bookattributes (document setting information 403). Regarding items which canbe defined overlapping with those at a lower level, priority is normallygiven to the attribute values at the lowest level. As to the itemscontained only in book attributes, the values defined for bookattributes are effective throughout the entire book. However, regardingthe items which overlap with those at a lower level, their values serveas defaults for use when no appropriate values are defined at the lowerlevel. In this example, however, the user can select whether to givepriority to attributes at a lower level, as described later.Incidentally, each item in the figure does not necessarily correspond toone concrete item, but they may include two or more items.

[0092] There are six items unique to book attributes: namely, PrintMethod, Binding Detail, Front/Back Cover, Tab Sheet, Slip Sheet, andChapter Break. These items are defined over the entire book. For thePrint Method attribute, three values are available: Simplex Printing,Duplex Printing, and Bind-ready Printing. The bind-ready printinginvolves bundling a specified number of sheets and folding the bundle inhalf so that the bundle can be bound together into a book afterprinting. The Binding Detail attribute allows the user to specify aspread direction, the number of sheets in a bundle, etc. when Bind-readyPrinting has been specified.

[0093] The Front/Back Cover attribute includes specifications as towhether to add sheets for use as front and back covers and what to printon the added sheets when printing an electronic original file to becompiled as a book. The Tab Sheet attribute includes specifications asto whether to insert tab sheets provided separately in the printer, aschapter breaks, and what to print on the tabs. This attribute isavailable when the printer used is equipped with an inserter whichinserts paper provided separately from the printing paper into a desiredposition or when two or more paper feed cassettes can be used. This alsoapplies to the Slip Sheet attribute.

[0094] The Slip Sheet attribute includes specification as to whether toinsert paper supplied from an inserter or paper feed cassette, aschapter breaks. It also includes specification of a paper feed source ifslip sheets are to be inserted.

[0095] The Chapter Break attribute includes specification as to whetherto use a new sheet, use a new print page, or do nothing at chapterbreaks. In the case of simplex printing, the use of a new sheet and theuse of a new print page mean the same thing. In the case of duplexprinting, if “use new sheet” is specified, two consecutive chapters willnever be printed on a single sheet of paper, but if “use new print page”is specified, two consecutive chapters may be printed on the front andback sides of a single sheet.

[0096]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a list of exemplary chapter attributes(chapter setting information 407) while FIG. 6 is a diagram showing alist of exemplary page attributes (page setting information 411). Therelationship between the chapter attributes and page attributes isanalogous to the relationship between the book attributes andlower-level attributes.

[0097] Regarding the chapter attributes, there is no item unique tochapters, and all the chapter attributes overlap with book attributes.If chapter attribute definitions and book attribute definitionsconflict, priority is normally given to the chapter attributes. In thisexample, however, the user can select whether to give priority toattributes at a lower level, as described later.

[0098] There are five items common only to the book attributes andchapter attributes: Paper Size, Paper Orientation, N-up Printing,Enlarge/Reduce, and Paper Ejection Method. Of these items, the N-upPrinting attribute specifies the number of original pages to be includedin one print page. Valid values include 1×1, 1×2, 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, etc.The Paper Ejection Method attribute specifies whether to staple ejectedpaper. The availability of this attribute depends on whether the printerused is provided with a stapling capability.

[0099] Items unique to page attributes include, Page Rotation, Zoom,Placement Location, Annotation, Page Split, etc. The Page Rotationattribute specifies the rotation angle for use in laying out originalpages on a print page. The Zoom attribute specifies a relativemagnification of original pages. The relative magnification is specifiedwith the size of a virtual logical page area taken as 100%. The virtuallogical page area is the area taken up by a single original page whenoriginal pages are laid out according to N-up printing specification orthe like. For example, if 1×1 is specified for the N-up Printingattribute, the virtual logical page area is equivalent to one printpage, and if 1×2 is specified, it corresponds to the area obtained byreducing each side of one print page to approximately 70%.

[0100] Attributes common to the book, chapter, and page include aWatermark attribute and Header/Footer attribute. The watermark is animage or character string specified separately and printed over datacreated by an application. The header and footer are watermarks printedin the top and bottom margins of every page, respectively. A pagenumber, date, etc. can be specified for the header and footer using avariable. The items which can be specified as Watermark andHeader/Footer attributes are common between the chapter and page, butthey differ from those of the book. At the book level, the user canspecify contents of watermarks and headers/footers as well as how toprint the watermarks and headers/footers throughout the entire book. Onthe other hand, at the chapter and page levels, the user can specifywhether to print the watermarks and headers/footers specified at thebook level.

[0101] <Exemplary Procedures for Operating the Document ProcessingSystem According to this Embodiment>

[0102] (Exemplary Procedures for Generating a Book File)

[0103] A book file has the structure and content described above. Next,description will be given about procedures for creating a book fileusing the book editing application 104 and electronic original writer102. A book file is created as part of book file edit operations carriedout using the book editing application 104.

[0104]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing procedures for opening a book fileon the book editing application 104.

[0105] First, it is judged whether the book about to be opened is a newone to be created or an existing one (Step S701). If it is a new one, abook file without a chapter is newly created (Step S702). In the exampleof FIG. 3, the book file created newly has only a book node 401, anddoes not have a link to a chapter node. Regarding book attributes, a setof attributes prepared in advance for new books are provided. Then, auser interface (UI) screen for editing a new book file is brought up(Step S704). FIG. 8 shows an example of the UI screen brought up when anew book file is created. In this case, since the book file has nosubstantive content, the UI screen 800 displays nothing.

[0106] On the other hand, if the specified book file already exists, itis opened (Step S703). Also, a user interface (UI) screen is displayedaccording to the structure, attributes, and content of the book file.FIG. 9 shows an example of such a UI screen. The UI screen 900 containsa tree section 901 which presents the structure of the book and apreview section 902 which shows how the book will look after printing.The tree section 901 presents the chapters contained in the book and thepages contained in each chapter using a tree structure such as the oneshown in FIG. 3. The pages displayed in the tree section 901 areoriginal pages. The preview section 902 displays reduced views of printpages. The order in which they are displayed reflects the structure ofthe book.

[0107] Application data converted into an electronic original file bythe electronic original writer 102 can be added as a new chapter to theopened book file. This function is called an electronic original fileimport function. By importing an electronic original file, a book filenewly created according to the procedures in FIG. 7 is given substance.This function is started when application data is dragged and dropped inthe screen in FIG. 8 or 9.

[0108]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing exemplary procedures for importingan electronic original file.

[0109] First, the application program which has created the specifiedapplication data is started and is made to convert the application datainto electronic original data using the electronic original writer 102as a device driver (Step S801). When the conversion is completed, it isjudged whether the converted data is image data (Step S802). Under aWindows OS, this judgment can be made based on the file extension of theapplication data as follows. For example, the extension “bmp” indicatesWindows bitmap data, “jpg” indicates JPEG-compressed image data, and“tiff” indicates image data in tiff format. In the case of such imagedata, an electronic original file can be generated directly from imagedata without starting an application in S801, and thus the process ofS801 can be omitted.

[0110] If the converted data is not image data, the electronic originalfile generated in Step S801 is added as a new chapter to the currentlyopen book file (Step S803). Normally, values of chapter attributes arecopied from corresponding book attributes, or set to default values inthe case of chapter attributes which do not have corresponding bookattributes. In this example, however, the user can select whether togive priority to attributes at a lower level, as described later.

[0111] If the converted data is image data, no new chapter is added as arule, but the pages contained in the electronic original file generatedin Step S801 are added to a specified chapter (Step S804). However, inthe case of a new book file, a new chapter is created and the pages ofthe electronic original file is added as pages belonging to thatchapter. Normally, page attributes inherit values from correspondingattributes at an upper level, or from attributes defined in applicationdata if such attributes have been taken over by an electronic originalfile. For example, if N-up printing has been specified in applicationdata, the value of this attribute is inherited. This is how a new bookfile is created or new chapter is added. In this example, however, theuser can select whether to give priority to attributes at a lower level,as described later.

[0112]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing procedures for generating anelectronic original file using the electronic original writer 102 inStep 801 in FIG. 10.

[0113] First, a new electronic original file is created and opened (StepS901). The application program which corresponds to the specifiedapplication data is started and is made to send an output command to theoutput module of the OS using the electronic original writer 102 as adevice driver. The output module converts the received output commandinto data in electronic original format using the electronic originalwriter and outputs the resulting data (Step S902) to the electronicoriginal file opened in Step S901. It is judged whether all thespecified data has been converted (Step S903). If it has been, theelectronic original file is closed (Step S904). The electronic originalfile generated by the electronic original writer 102 contains substanceof the electronic page data shown in FIG. 3.

[0114] (Examples of Book File Edit Operations)

[0115] As described above, a book file can be created from applicationdata. The following edit operations can be performed on the chapters andpages of the generated book file.

[0116] (1) Add Newly

[0117] (2) Delete

[0118] (3) Copy

[0119] (4) Cut

[0120] (5) Paste

[0121] (6) Move

[0122] (7) Change Chapter Name

[0123] (8) Reassign Page Number/Name

[0124] (9) Insert Cover

[0125] (10) Insert Slip Sheet

[0126] (11) Insert Tab Sheets

[0127] (12) Lay Out Original Page

[0128] Besides, an operation for canceling an edit operation andoperation for undoing a cancel operation are available. These editfunctions allow the user, for example, to merge book files, rearrangechapters or pages in a book file, delete chapters or pages from a bookfile, change a original page layout, insert slip sheets or tab sheets,and so on. Results of these operations are reflected in attributes shownin FIGS. 4 to 6 or the structure of the book file. For example, if anAdd Newly operation of a blank page is performed, a blank page isinserted in a specified location. Then, the blank page is treated as aoriginal page. Also, if the layout of original pages is changed, thechanges are reflected in the Print Method, N-Up Printing, Front/BackCover, Tab Sheet, Slip Sheet, and Chapter Break attributes.

[0129] Display and operations during editing in this example will bedescribed in detail below.

[0130] (Example of Book File Output)

[0131] The final aim of the book file created and edited in the mannerdescribed above is printout. When the user selects File menu on the UIscreen 900 of the book editing application shown in FIG. 9 and thenselects Print from the File menu, the book is printed using a specifiedoutput device as follows. First, the book editing application 104creates a job ticket on the currently open book file and passes it tothe electronic original despooler 105. The electronic original despooler105 converts the job ticket into an output command of the OS, forexample, into a Windows GDI command, and sends it to an output module,for example, to GDI. The output module generates a command compatiblewith the device using the specified printer driver 106 and sends thedevice the generated command.

[0132] A graphic engine of the output module (not shown) loads theappropriate printer driver 106 for the given printer into the RAM 202from the external memory 211 and sets the output to the printer driver106. The output module converts the received GDI (Graphic DeviceInterface) function into a DDI (Device Driver Interface) function andoutputs the DDI function to the printer driver 106. The printer driver106 converts the DDI function received from the output module into acontrol command recognizable by the printer, for example, into a PDL(Page Description Language) command. The resulting printer controlcommand is output to the printer 107 via a system spooler loaded intothe RAM 202 by the OS and then thorough the interface 21.

[0133] The job ticket described above is data about a structure made upof original pages, the smallest unit. The job ticket structure definesthe layout of original pages on paper. One job ticket is issued per job.At the top level is a node called document, which defines the attributesof the entire document such as Simplex/Duplex. Under the document nodeare paper nodes, which contain attributes that specify an identifier ofpaper to be used, a paper source of a printer, etc. Under each papernode are sheet nodes, which represent sheets of the given paper to beprinted. A sheet corresponds to a single sheet of paper. Under eachsheet are print pages (physical page). In the case of simplex printing,one physical page belongs to one sheet while in the case of duplexprinting, two physical pages belong to one sheet. Under each physicalpage are original pages to be laid out on the physical page. Theattributes of physical pages include Original Page Layout.

[0134] A sample data structure of a job ticket is shown in FIG. 12. Inprint data, a document consists of a set of sheets of paper. Each sheetof paper consists of two sides: the front and back sides. Each side hasan area (physical page) for laying out a original. Each physical page ismade up of original pages, which are the smallest units. Referencenumeral 1101 denotes data which corresponds to a document. This dataconsists of data related to the entire document, and a list of paperinformation about the paper composing the document. The paperinformation 1102 consists of information such as paper size, and a listof side information about the sides placed on the paper. The sideinformation 1103 consists of data unique to the sides, and a list ofphysical pages placed on the sides. Physical page information 1104consists of information about the size of physical pages, headers,footers, etc.; and a list of original pages composing physical pages.

[0135] The electronic original despooler 105 converts the job ticketinto an output command for the output module.

[0136] (Sample Content of Preview Display)

[0137] As described earlier, when a book file is opened by the bookediting application, the user interface screen 900 shown in FIG. 9appears. The tree section 901 displays a tree which represents thestructure of the open book. The preview section 902 provides any ofthree display methods according to user's specification. The firstmethod is a mode called original view for displaying the original as itis. It displays the original pages which belong to the open book in areduced size. Layout is not reflected in the preview display. The secondmethod is a print view mode, which displays original pages in thepreview section 902, reflecting the layout of the original pages. Thethird method is a simplified print view mode, which reflects only thelayout in the preview display, and not the content of original pages.

[0138] <Exemplary Configuration of Another Document Processing System>

[0139] The document processing system according to the above embodimentis a stand-alone type. A server/client system, an extended version ofthe above system, also creates and edit book files according to similarconfiguration and procedures. However, book files and printing processesare managed by a server.

[0140]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of aserver/client document processing system.

[0141] A client document processing system consists of a DOMS (DocumentOutput Management Service) driver 109 which is a client module, a DOMSprint service module 110, and a DS (Document Service) client module 108in addition to a stand-alone system. The client document processingsystem 1200 is connected with a document management server 1201, acentralized print management server 1202, and a print server 1203. Theseservers are normally connected to the client document processing systemvia a network, but if they function as clients at the same time, theyare connected to the client document processing system by means ofinterprocess communication which simulates internetwork communication.Incidentally, although both document management server 1201 andcentralized print management server 1202 are connected to the client inFIG. 13, there may be a case in which only one of them exists on anetwork. When the document management server is connected, a documentmanagement server/client module system 1201SC which includes a clientmodule of the document management server will be added to the standalonedocument management system, and when the centralized print managementserver 1202 is connected, a document management server/client modulesystem 1202SC which includes a client module of the print managementserver will be added.

[0142] The document management server 1201 stores the book files createdand edited by the book editing application 104. The book files managedby the document management server 1201 are stored in a database 1211 ofthe document management server 1201 instead of or in addition to localHDs of client PCs. Book files are saved and called to/from the documentmanagement server 1201 by the book editing application 104 via the DSclient 108 and a DS core 1212.

[0143] The centralized print management server 1202 controls theprinting of the book files stored in the client document processingsystem 1200 or in the document management server 1201. A print requestfrom a client is sent to a DOMS WG server module 1221 of the centralizedprint management server 1202 via the DOMS driver 109 and DOMS printservice module 110. The centralized print management server 1202 passeselectronic original data to the electronic original despooler 105 viathe DOMS print service module 110 of the client when printing the dataon the client's printer, or sends the electronic original data to a DOMSprint service module 1231 of the print server 1203 when printing thedata on the print server 1203. The centralized print management serverruns security checks, for example, on qualification of the user whorequested a stored book file to be printed, and keeps a log of printingprocesses. Thus, the document processing system may be implemented bothas standalone and client/server systems.

[0144] [Examples of Edit Operations in Document Processing SystemAccording to this Embodiment]

[0145]FIG. 9 shows an operating screen of the book editing application104. The book editing application allows function setting of a printersuch as stapling as well as edit operations such as alteration of pageorder, duplication, and deletion. Also, it allows a specified printer tobe used for printing. The left area in FIG. 9 presents a tree view whichshows the structure of a document. The document consists of a set ofchapters and each chapter consists of a set of original pages. The rightarea in FIG. 9 presents print previews of individual pages.

[0146] <Example of Attribute Setting in Document Processing SystemAccording to this Embodiment>

[0147]FIG. 14 shows a “Document Detail Setting” window 1400 of the bookediting application 104.

[0148] This window allows the user to display the “document settinginformation 403” and make settings for it. This window is invoked from a“Detailed Setting for Document” menu under a Print Form menu or from a“Detailed Setting for Document” button on the toolbar in the operatingscreen of the application in FIG. 9. The “Document Detail Setting”window is used to make settings for attributes which affect the entiredocument. It consists of four sheets: Page Setup, Decoration, Edit, andPaper Source. FIG. 14 shows the window with the Page Setup sheetdisplayed. The Page Setup sheet allows the user mainly to make layoutsettings and specify settings such as paper size, paper orientation, andN-up printing. Also, the window contains check box controls 1401 and1402 related to zooming.

[0149]FIG. 15 shows a “Chapter Detail Setting” window 1500 of the bookediting application 104.

[0150] This window allows the user to display the “chapter settinginformation 407” and make settings for it. This window is invoked from a“Detailed Setting for Chapter” menu under a Print Form menu or from a“Detailed Setting for Chapter” button on the toolbar in the operatingscreen of the application in FIG. 9. The “Chapter Detail Setting” windowis used to make settings for attributes unique to each chapter. Itconsists of four sheets: Page Setup, Decoration, Edit, and Paper Source.FIG. 15 shows the window with the Page Setup sheet displayed. The PageSetup sheet allows the user mainly to make layout settings unique toeach chapter and specify settings such as paper size, paper orientation,and N-up printing. For the items which are contained in both “DocumentDetail Setting” and “Chapter Detail Setting” windows, “Follow BookAttribute” check box controls 1501, 1502, and 1503 are provided.Regarding the item groups whose check boxes are marked, the set valuesfor the document also apply to the chapter. A case in which check boxesare deselected is shown in FIG. 16. There are two cases in whichsettings are made independently at the chapter level: a case in whichthere are items unique to chapters and a case in which set valuesdifferent from those at the upper, book level are retained at thechapter level.

[0151]FIG. 16 shows the “Chapter Detail Setting” window with the checkbox controls 1501 and 1502 deselected. In this case, even if a papersize other than A4 is used for the overall document, the A4 paper sizeis used for the pages composing this chapter. Also, regarding layout,even if 1 Page per Sheet is specified for the overall book, 4 Pages perSheet is specified for this chapter. Regarding “MS Arrange,” since thecheck box has been selected, set values on the upper, document level areused as set values for this chapter.

[0152]FIG. 17 shows a “Page Detail Setting” window 1700 of the bookediting application 104.

[0153] This window allows the user to display the “page settinginformation 411” and make settings for it. This window is invoked from a“Detailed Setting for Page” menu under a Print Form menu or from a“Detailed Setting for Page” button on the toolbar in the operatingscreen of the application in FIG. 9. The “Page Detail Setting” window isused to make settings for attributes unique to each page. It consists oftwo sheets: Page Setup and Edit. FIG. 17 shows the window with the PageSetup sheet displayed. The Page Setup sheet allows the user mainly tomake layout settings unique to each page and specify settings such as arotation angle and magnification for use in laying out the originalpage. For the items which are contained in both “Chapter Detail Setting”and “Page Detail Setting” windows, a “Follow Chapter Attribute” checkbox control 1701 is provided. Regarding the item groups whose checkboxes are marked, the set values for the chapter also apply to the page.A case in which the check box is deselected is shown in FIG. 18.

[0154]FIG. 18 shows the “Page Detail Setting” window after the PageRotation setting has been changed on the window in FIG. 17. The settingof the control 1801 indicates that the original page is to be rotated soas to lie on its left side. This item is not provided with a “FollowChapter Attribute” check box, meaning that the same item does not existat the chapter or document level. Thus, the setting of this item in thiswindow always applies to this page. Regarding items such as “Arrange”whose check box 1701 is marked, the same item also exists at the chapterlevel, and thus the set value for the chapter is adopted as the setvalue for the page. If the corresponding item “Arrange” at the chapterlevel has its “Follow Book Attribute” checked, the set value on thehigher, book level is used as the set value for the chapter, andconsequently the set value on the book level applies to the page. If thecorresponding item on the chapter level is unchecked, the chapter has aunique set value, which applies to the page.

[0155] Incidentally, information about the check box controls set on thesetting screens described above may be retained in a dedicated area, butpreferably it is retained as one of attributes in the appropriatesetting information shown in FIG. 3. In the latter case, an area forretaining check box control information will be added to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0156] <Display Example of Document Editing in Document ProcessingSystem According to this Embodiment>

[0157]FIG. 19 shows the application's display format used when setvalues at an upper level is not used for items which overlap with thoseat the upper level, i.e., when the check box control 1501 or 1701 isdeselected.

[0158] In the example of FIG. 19, a document consists of two chaptersand each chapter consists of nine pages. This is a display example whichresults when 4-up (also known as 4-in-1) is specified for the layout ofthe first chapter and rotation is specified for the first page of thesecond chapter (tenth page of the document). It can be seen that fouroriginals each are laid out on pages 1 to 3 and that the character “A,”the data on page 4, is rotated. Now referring to a display format whichresults when a setting unique to a chapter or page is specified in thetree view, the icon 1901 changes for the first chapter indicating thatan independent setting has been made for this chapter and the icon 1902changes for the first page of the second chapter indicating that anindependent setting has been made for this page.

[0159]FIGS. 20 and 21 are diagrams illustrating operations of insertingan entire file or copying and pasting part of a file in this system.

[0160]FIG. 20A shows Document A while FIG. 20B shows Document B.Consider a case where Chapter C 2001 is copied and pasted from DocumentB to Document A. Suppose Document A has a 2-up layout while Document Bhas a 4-up layout.

[0161]FIGS. 20A to 20D show examples in which no setting unique toChapter C has been made. When pasting Chapter C, there are two possiblecases:

[0162] 1. Chapter C conforms to the settings of the document to which itbelongs. In this case, as can be seen from 2002 in the figure, Chapter Cis laid out according to the 2-up setting of Document A, the destinationof pasting (FIG. 20C).

[0163] 2. Chapter C retains the 4-up setting of the source Document B.In this case, as can be seen from 2003 in the figure, Chapter C is laidout according to its original 4-up setting, independent of thedestination document (FIG. 20D).

[0164]FIGS. 21A to 21E show examples in which settings unique to ChapterC have been made. As shown in FIG. 21B, it is assumed that 1-up settinghas been specified for Chapter C 2101. When pasting Chapter C toDocument A, there are three possible cases:

[0165] 1. Chapter C 2102 takes over the 2-up setting of Document A (FIG.21C)

[0166] 2. Chapter C 2103 retains its original 1-up setting even after itis placed in Document A (FIG. 21D).

[0167] 3. Chapter C 2104 inherits and retains the 4-up setting of thesource Document B. In this case, Chapter C is laid out according to the4-up setting, regardless of the 2-up setting of Document A (FIG. 21E).

[0168] However, it is hardly conceivable that the third case will beused normally because it is confusing to retain the invisible setting ofDocument B.

[0169] <Exemplary Procedures for Document Editing in the DocumentProcessing System According to this Embodiment>

[0170] Next, description will be given about a process flow forinserting an entire file or copying and pasting part of a file.

[0171] (Copying Procedures)

[0172]FIG. 22 is a flowchart outlining a copying process in acopy-and-paste operation. For a copy-and-paste operation, two methodsare available: one involves determining a format before copying, and theother involves copying as much information as possible and selecting aformat before pasting. The latter method is used in this example. Toincrease the selection of pasting formats, this method copies as muchdata as possible except data unnecessary for pasting. By copying thedocument structure shown in FIG. 3 almost in its entirety with itshierarchical structure retained, this method offers a wide choice duringpasting.

[0173] First, in Step S1401, document information 401 about the sourcedocument is copied. It is more efficient not to copy the file name andother unnecessary data. Next, the flow goes to Step S1402, wherenecessary chapters are added to the chapter list 404. When a documentfile is added, all the chapters are added. In the case of Copy & Pasteor Drag & Drop with the mouse, selected chapters are added. If chaptersare selected, all the selected chapters are added, and if a page isselected, the chapter which contains the selected page is added. Then,the flow goes to Step S1403, where chapter information about thechapters added in Step S1402 are copied from the corresponding chaptersof the source document. Again, it is possible to increase efficiency byavoiding to copy unnecessary information. Next, the flow goes to StepS1404, where the pages composing the chapters are added to a page listin the chapter information copied in Step S1402. Again, it is sufficientto add only necessary pages. Next, the flow goes to Step S1405, wherepage information about the added pages are copied from the sourcedocument.

[0174] (Pasting Procedures)

[0175]FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a process of pasting an entiredocument (insertion of a document).

[0176] First, it is judged in Step S1501 whether to transfer thesettings of the document at the top level to settings of its lower-levelcomponents, chapters. If data is to be pasted in the format shown inFIG. 21E, the settings of the source documents are copied to chaptersettings. If it is judged that document settings will not be transferredto chapter settings, there is no need to transfer the upper-levelsettings to the lower level, and thus the flow goes to Step S1510, inwhich the copied data is pasted directly. If it is judged in Step S1501that document settings will be transferred to chapter settings, the flowgoes to Step S1502. In Step S1502, to see whether an end-of-loopcondition has been met, it is judged whether all the copied chaptershave been processed. If all the chapters have been processed, the flowgoes to Step S1510, in which the processed data are pasted. If it isjudged in Step S1502 that not all the chapters have been processed, theflow goes to Step S1503.

[0177] In Step S1503, a chapter yet to be processed is handled. Sincethe chapter list has been copied in FIG. 22, the chapters can beprocessed in sequence, starting at the top of the list. Next, the flowgoes to Step S1504, where it is judged whether all items for the givenchapter have been processed. If all the items have been processed, theflow returns to Step S1502 to proceed with the next chapter. If it isjudged in Step S1504 that there are items yet to be processed, the flowgoes to Step S1505, where an item yet to be processed is handled. Then,the flow goes to Step S1506, where it is determined, concerning the itemprocessed in Step S1505, whether to save set values unique to thechapter, conform to the upper-level settings of the source document, orconform to the settings of the destination document.

[0178] If it is judged in Step S1506 that set values unique to thechapter will be saved or if there is no corresponding item at the upper,document level, the flow goes to Step S1507 and the values unique to thechapter are retained. If it is determined in Step S1506 that theupper-level settings of the source document will be followed, the flowgoes to Step S1508, where the chapter settings are overwritten with thecopied set values of the corresponding item at the upper level. If it isdetermined in Step S1506 that the set values of the destination documentwill be followed, the flow goes to Step S1509, where the set values ofthe chapters are changed to the set values at the upper level of thedestination document. When any of the steps—Step S1507, Step S1508, orStep S1509—is finished, the flow returns to Step S1504 and proceeds withprocessing of the next item.

[0179]FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a process of pasting chapters.

[0180] In Step S1601, it is judged whether the source document anddestination document are identical. If it is judged that the copy andpaste operations will be carried out within the same document, there isno need to transfer the upper-level settings to the lower level, andthus the flow goes to Step S1610, in which the copied data is pasteddirectly. If it is judged in Step S1601 that chapters will be insertedin a different document, the flow goes to Step S1602. In Step S1602, tosee whether an end-of-loop condition has been met, it is judged whetherall the copied chapters have been processed. If all the chapters havebeen processed, the flow goes to Step S1610, in which the processed dataare pasted. If it is judged in Step S1602 that not all the chapters havebeen processed, the flow goes to Step S1603.

[0181] In Step S1603, a chapter yet to be processed is handled. Sincethe chapter list has been copied in the example described with referenceto FIG. 22, the chapters can be processed in sequence, starting at thetop of the list. Next, the flow goes to Step S1604, where it is judgedwhether all items for the given chapter have been processed. If all theitems have been processed, the flow returns to Step S1602 to proceedwith the next chapter. If it is judged in Step S1604 that there areitems yet to be processed, the flow goes to Step S1605, where an itemyet to be processed is handled. Then, the flow goes to Step S1606, whereit is determined, concerning the item processed in Step S1605, whetherto save set values unique to the chapter, conform to the upper-levelsettings of the source document, or conform to the settings of thedestination document.

[0182] If it is judged in Step S1606 that set values unique to thechapter will be saved or if there is no corresponding item at the upper,document level, the flow goes to Step S1607 and the values unique to thechapter are retained. If it is determined in Step S1606 that theupper-level settings of the source document will be followed, the flowgoes to Step S1608, where the chapter settings are overwritten with thecopied set values of the corresponding item at the upper level. If it isdetermined in Step S1606 that the set values of the destination documentwill be followed, the flow goes to Step S1609, where the set values ofthe chapters are changed to the set values at the upper level of thedestination document. When any of the steps—Step S1607, Step S1608, orStep S1609—is finished, the flow returns to Step S1604 and proceeds withprocessing of the next item.

[0183]FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a process of pasting pages. Even ifan entire chapter is copied, the method shown in this example can beused to insert individual pages contained in the chapter rather thaninserting the entire chapter.

[0184] In Step S1701, it is judged whether the source chapter anddestination chapter are identical. If it is judged that the copy andpaste operations will be carried out within the same chapter, there isno need to transfer the upper-level settings to the lower level, andthus the flow goes to Step S1712, in which the copied data is pasteddirectly. If it is judged in Step S1701 that pages will be inserted in adifferent chapter, the flow goes to Step S1702. In Step S1702, to seewhether an end-of-loop condition has been met, it is judged whether allthe copied pages have been processed. If all the pages have beenprocessed, the flow goes to Step S1710, in which the processed data arepasted. If it is judged in Step S1702 that not all the pages have beenprocessed, the flow goes to Step S1703.

[0185] In Step S1703, a page yet to be processed is handled. Since thechapter and page lists have been copied in the example described withreference to FIG. 22, the pages can be processed in sequence, startingat the top of the page list for the first chapter in the chapter list.Next, the flow goes to Step S1704, where it is judged whether all itemsfor the given page have been processed. If all the items have beenprocessed, the flow returns to Step S1702 to proceed with the next page.If it is judged in Step S1704 that there are items yet to be processed,the flow goes to Step S1705, where an item yet to be processed ishandled. Then, the flow goes to Step S1706, where it is determined,concerning the item processed in Step S1705, whether to save set valuesunique to the page.

[0186] If it is judged in Step S1706 that set values unique to the pagewill be saved or if there is no corresponding item at the upper, chapteror document level, the flow goes to Step S1711 and the values unique tothe page are retained. If it is determined in Step S1706 that set valuesunique to the page will not be saved, the flow goes to Step S1707 toconform to upper-level settings.

[0187] Here, corresponding items at an upper, chapter level are checkedto see whether there are set values unique to the chapter or whethersettings at the top level will be followed. If it is determined in StepS1707 that there is no setting unique to the chapter, the flow goes toStep S1708, where the set values of the chapter are copied to the page.If it is determined in Step S1707 that there are settings unique to thechapter, the flow goes to Step S1709, where it is determined whichupper-level settings will take priority, the chapter-level settings ordocument-level settings. If it is determined in Step S1709 that thechapter-level settings will take priority, the flow goes to Step S1708.If it is determined in Step S1709 that the chapter-level settings willnot take priority, the set values of the corresponding items on thedocument level are copied to the page. When any of the steps—Step S1708,Step S1710, or Step S1711—is finished, the flow returns to Step S1704and proceeds with processing of the next item.

[0188] In this example, it is possible to make detailed prioritysettings for each item by determining what level of set values shouldtake priority and which settings should take priority, the settings ofthe source document or destination document. Incidentally, althoughjudgments are made at two levels—the document and chapter levels—in theexamples of FIGS. 23 and 24, it is also possible to handle page settingsin the process of pasting a document or chapter by incorporating theprocessing of the page settings shown in FIG. 25. In that case, the flowof FIG. 25 can be inserted just before Step S1501 or S1601.

[0189] <Example of User Operations for Document Editing in the DocumentProcessing System According to this Embodiment>

[0190] Next, description will be given about display methods usedaccording to user's document editing operations (especially, drag anddrop operations) in this embodiment.

[0191]FIG. 26 shows examples of changes in the shape of mouse cursorduring a copy and paste operation or a so-called drag and drop operationwith a mouse.

[0192] The figure at the left end shows an example in which a mousecursor is located outside the page. The mouse cursor 2601 isarrow-shaped—a normal default shape. The second figure from the leftshows the mouse cursor as it is positioned on the page. The mouse cursor2602 changes to a hand shape, indicating that the page is the object tobe dragged and dropped. The third figure from the left shows that aselection has been made by clicking the mouse. The page is surrounded bya thick border, indicating that the page has been selected. As the userclicks the mouse and start dragging the page, the mouse cursor 2604changes to a gripping hand, indicating to the user that the gripped pagecan be moved as shown in the figure at the right.

[0193] (Example of Display in Preview Area)

[0194]FIG. 27 shows an example of a display format illustrating drag anddrop positions of a dragged page.

[0195] The dragged page is shown as a being translucent so that the dropposition can be checked easily. Also, a bar 2701 is displayed toindicate the drop position. As the user releases the mouse button inthis state to drop the page, the dragged page 1-3 is placed between page1-1 and page 1-2, and consequently the pages are rearranged in theorder: 1-1, 1-3, and 1-2. By using a Control key or Shift key during adrag and drop operation, it is possible to copy a page instead of movingit. Also, by using the right button instead of the left button which isusually used, the user can select whether to move or copy a page whendropping it.

[0196] (Example of Display in Tree Area)

[0197]FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a display format of a drag anddrop operation in the tree display area.

[0198] During a drag operation, to fit in the small area of the treesection, the image of the dragged page disappears and the mouse cursor2801 takes on a combined shape of an arrow and page icon. As the usermoves the mouse cursor 2801 to position 2803 by moving the mouse, thebar which indicates the drop position moves from position 2802 toposition 2804 along with the mouse cursor.

[0199] Although the tree display, which itself contains hierarchyinformation, is easily understandable, since a document has adocument/chapter/page hierarchical structure, when the mouse cursor ispositioned between chapters, a problem arises as to in which chapter adragged object should be dropped. According to this embodiment, as shownin FIG. 29, when the bar is at position 2901, which is next to page 1-3,the dragged object is dropped on the last page of the “Document 1”chapter. When the mouse is moved further down, the bar moves to position2902 between the “Document 2” icon and page 2-1. When the bar is at thisposition, the dragged object is dropped on the first page of the“Document 2” chapter.

[0200] (Variation of Display in Preview Area)

[0201] The display in the preview area, whose display format does notcontain a concept of hierarchy, is rather ambiguous. One possible methodof clearing up the ambiguity involves setting a rule to drop the draggedobject on the last page of the preceding chapter or the first page ofthe succeeding chapter if the bar moves to the boundary betweenchapters, or to drop the dragged object depending on the cursor path: todrop the dragged object on the last page of the preceding chapter if themouse cursor moves from the direction of the preceding chapter and todrop the dragged object on the first page of the succeeding chapter ifthe mouse cursor moves from the direction of the succeeding chapter.

[0202]FIG. 30 shows an example of displaying the bar twice on a chapterboundary. Suppose a page labeled “1” and a page labeled “2” abut eachother on a chapter boundary. A bar 3001 is displayed when the mousecursor is nearer to page “1” and a bar 3002 is displayed when the mousecursor is nearer to page “2.”

[0203] The dragged object is placed at the end of the preceding chapterif it is dropped while the bar 3001 is displayed and it is placed at thehead of the succeeding chapter if it is dropped while the bar 3002 isdisplayed. Incidentally, it is also possible to display two bars 3001and 3002 at the same time and determine where to drop the dragged objectdepending on the thickness, density, or color (in the case of colordisplay) of the bars.

[0204] (Display Example for N-Up Printing in Preview Area)

[0205] Next a display method for N-up printing will be described.

[0206]FIG. 31 shows an example of 1-up printing. In this example, arectangle 3101 which represents a sheet of paper corresponds to a page.Thus, the bar which indicates a drop position is displayed betweenrectangles which represent sheets of paper.

[0207]FIG. 32 shows an example of 4-up printing. In this case, fourpages of data, when drawn, are treated as a single physical page. If adragged object is dropped between two physical pages, the bar isdisplayed between two rectangles which represent the physical pages, asshown on the left of FIG. 32. If a dragged object can be dropped betweenoriginal pages, there are two or more places where the dragged objectcan be dropped within a single physical page. In the right diagram ofFIG. 32, the bar which indicates a drop position is displayed betweenthe original page labeled “1” and original page labeled “2.” In thisway, different display methods are used depending on the dragged object.

[0208] When a physical page is selected and dragged, the page is droppedaccording to the method shown on the left of FIG. 32 assuming that themovement is carried out on the physical page level. Internally, the sameprocess is carried out as when all the logical pages on the physicalpage are dragged. Therefore, if the N-up print setting differs betweenthe selected physical page and drop position, the resulting layout willbe different from the original layout before dragging because logicalpages are laid out according to the layout specification for thedestination page. When a logical page is selected and dragged, the pageis dropped according to the method shown on the right of FIG. 32assuming that the movement is carried out on the logical page level. Interms of internal data, however, the same process is carried out as whendragging and dropping a plurality of logical pages. Thus, it is possibleto allow the user to drop the dragged page at any desired position byswitching between the display methods shown on the left and right ofFIG. 32 using the mouse.

[0209] Incidentally, although the insertion position is indicated by abar according to this embodiment, this is not restrictive. Any shape maybe used (e.g., an arrow-shaped icon or the like) as long as it is usefulfor user operations and such variations are also included in the presentinvention.

[0210] Next, an example in which a chapter or page being dragged has itsown settings is shown in FIG. 33.

[0211] A display example in which a chapter or page has unique settingsis shown in FIG. 9. If data being dragged does not contain a page orchapter which has unique settings, a display format 3301 is used. Ifdata being dragged contains a page or chapter which has unique settings,a display format 3302 is used. Presence or absence of unique settings isindicated by placing a small mark in the upper left corner, as in thecase of 901 and 902 in FIG. 9. If the data retains its unique settingsafter it is dropped, a chapter or page with unique settings results, asshown in FIG. 9. It is possible to specify unique settings to be clearedinternally when data is dropped. Flowcharts of processes carried out inthat case are shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0212] <Exemplary Procedures for Operations in Document ProcessingSystem According to this Embodiment>

[0213]FIG. 34 shows a flowchart of exemplary procedures for operationsin the document processing system according to this embodiment.Incidentally, procedures for detecting cursor position as well asdistance between image display position and cursor position are knownand detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, priority settingamong book, chapter, and page settings (attributes) will also be omittedfor the sake of simplicity. Regarding unique settings, in addition toprocesses shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a mark is added to indicate presenceof unique settings as shown in FIG. 33.

[0214] First, it is judged in Step S2001, based on mouse operation,whether data is being dragged. If no data is being dragged, it is judgedin Step S2002 whether the operation concerned is a drop operation. If itis not a drop operation either, a process not covered by this example isperformed in Step S2004 and the flow returns to the beginning. If it isjudged to be a drop operation, the flow goes to Step S2003, where datais moved or copied to the drop position indicated by a bar according tothe cursor position. Selection between move and copy operations is notshown for the sake of simplicity.

[0215] If the operation concerned is judged to be a drag operation inStep S2001, the cursor position is detected by a known method in StepS2005. Next, the original page boundary nearest to the cursor positionin the tree and preview areas is detected in Step S2006. It is judged inStep S2007 whether the original page boundary nearest to the cursorposition detected in Step S2006 is located in the tree area or previewarea. If it is located in the tree area, a bar which indicates a dropposition is displayed on the original page boundary in Step S2008. Themethod of display here is also known and will not be described indetail.

[0216] If the original page boundary nearest to the cursor position islocated in the preview area, it is judged in Step S2009 whether thedetected boundary coincides with a chapter boundary. If it coincideswith a chapter boundary, a setting is made in Step S2010 to display abar a multiple number of times as shown in FIG. 30. If a bar isspecified to be displayed a multiple number of times, multiple bordersare set up at the original page boundary, distances from the cursor aredetected, and a bar is displayed on the border nearest to the cursoralthough this is not described in detail in FIG. 34. Alternatively, aplurality of bars may be displayed in such a way that they can beidentified by thickness, density, or color (the nearest bar will be moreconspicuous). If there is no chapter boundary, nothing is done and theflow goes to Step S2011.

[0217] It is judged in Step S2011 whether N-up printing is specified. Inthe case of N-up printing, it is judged in Step S2012 whether theoriginal page boundary coincides with a print page boundary. If N-upprinting is specified and the original page boundary does not coincidewith a print page boundary, a bar is displayed, in Step S2013, on aoriginal page boundary within the print page as shown in the rightdiagram of FIG. 32. On the other hand, if N-up printing is notspecified, or if the original page boundary coincides with a print pageboundary even in the case of N-up printing, a bar is displayed outside(between) the print pages as shown in the left diagrams of FIGS. 30, 31,and 32.

[0218] Incidentally, the execution sequence of the flowcharts in thisembodiment may be changed as long as no process is left unfinished.

[0219] Also, the present invention may be applied either to a systemconsisting of two or more apparatus (e.g., a host computer, interfacedevices, a reader, a printer, and the like) or to equipment consistingof a single apparatus (e.g., a copier, a printer, a facsimile machine,or the like).

[0220] Also, the object of the present invention can also be achieved bya recording medium containing the software program code that implementsthe functions of the above embodiment: it is supplied to a system orapparatus, whose computer (or a CPU or MPU) then reads the program codeout of the storage medium and executes it. In that case, the programcode itself read out from the storage medium will implement thefunctions of the above embodiment, and the storage medium which storesthe program code will constitute the present invention.

[0221] As the recording medium for supplying the program code, forexample, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk,CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, or the likemay be used.

[0222] Also, the functions of the above embodiment may be implementednot only by the program code read out and executed by the computer, butalso by part or all of the actual processing executed, in accordancewith instructions from the program code, by an OS (operating system)running on the computer.

[0223] Furthermore, the functions of the above embodiment may also beimplemented by part or all of the actual processing executed by a CPU orthe like contained in a function expansion card inserted in the computeror a function expansion unit connected to the computer if the processingis performed in accordance with instructions from the program code thathas been read out of the storage medium and written into memory on thefunction expansion card or unit.

[0224] The present invention can provide a document processing methodand system which implement display that improves efficiency andusability of edit operations when inserting, moving, or copying &pasting data, by taking full advantage of the feature of retaining dataand set values hierarchically in the system.

[0225] Specifically, it allows the user to check easily whether databeing dragged has unique settings.

[0226] Also, with the above configuration, the present invention allowsthe user to switch to an appropriate display format depending on thearea where data is dragged because different display formats areavailable even when the same data is dragged.

[0227] Also, with the above configuration, the present invention allowsthe user to realize drop position easily according to dragged data.

[0228] Also, with the above configuration, in the case where there areseveral choices for the drop process, the present invention allows theuser to tell which drop process will be selected from among availablechoices by looking at the display format of the drop position.

[0229] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments andvarious changes and modifications can be made within the spirit andscope of the present invention. Therefore to apprise the public of thescope of the present invention, the following claims are made.

What is claimed is:
 1. A document processing method of editing adocument formed from a plurality of originals, comprising: a firstdisplay control step of controlling a process of displaying a graphicobject representing a desired original such that the graphic objectmoves on a document in response to instructions to drag the graphicobject, when moving or copying said desired original on a certainportion of the document; and a recognition step of recognizing aboundary between originals in the document, near a position of a cursorfor dragging the graphic object, wherein said first display control stepcontrols a process of displaying a mark for indicating to which areas onboth sides of the boundary said desired original be to belong.
 2. Thedocument processing method according to claim 1, wherein said mark is abar which represents the boundary between originals in said document. 3.The document processing method according to claim 2, wherein said bar isdisplayed as a thicker line, in a deeper color, or in a different colorthan other graphic objects.
 4. The document processing method accordingto claim 1, wherein said document is stored in a tree structure oforiginals, and further comprising a second display control step ofcontrolling a process of displaying a first display screen in which thetree structure is shown and a second display screen in which the treestructure is not shown, wherein said second display control stepcontrols a process of assigning a bar indicating a belonging node to aboundary at a higher level on the second display screen.
 5. The documentprocessing method according to claim 1, wherein said document is storedin a tree structure of originals, and further comprising a third displaycontrol step of controlling a process of displaying a first display areawhere a tree structure is shown and a second display area where the treestructure is not shown, on a single screen, wherein said third displaycontrol step controls display processes so that a bar indicating abelonging node is assigned to a boundary at a higher level when thecursor is located in the second display area.
 6. The document processingmethod according to claim 4, wherein in said first display screen, atree showing a document structure in a tree format is displayed, and insaid second display screen, a preview showing content of print data isdisplayed.
 7. The document processing method according to claim 5,wherein in said first display area, a tree showing a document structurein a tree format is displayed, and in said second display area, apreview showing content of print data is displayed.
 8. The documentprocessing method according to claim 4, wherein there are two barsindicating a belonging node and valid one of said two bars is displayed.9. The document processing method according to claim 5, wherein thereare two bars indicating a belonging node and valid one of said two barsis displayed.
 10. The document processing method according to claim 4,wherein there are two bars indicating a belonging node and valid one ofsaid two bars is displayed in such a way that said valid one can bedistinguished from the other.
 11. The document processing methodaccording to claim 5, wherein there are two bars indicating a belongingnode and valid one of said two bars is displayed in such a way that saidvalid one can be distinguished from the other.
 12. The documentprocessing method according to claim 4, wherein said tree structurecontains a hierarchical structure consisting of a document, chapters andpages.
 13. The document processing method according to claim 5, whereinsaid tree structure contains a hierarchical structure consisting of adocument, chapters and pages.
 14. The document processing methodaccording to claim 6, wherein said tree structure contains ahierarchical structure consisting of a document, chapters and pages. 15.The document processing method according to claim 7, wherein said treestructure contains a hierarchical structure consisting of a document,chapters and pages.
 16. The document processing method according toclaim 8, wherein said tree structure contains a hierarchical structureconsisting of a document, chapters and pages.
 17. The documentprocessing method according to claim 9, wherein said tree structurecontains a hierarchical structure consisting of a document, chapters andpages.
 18. The document processing method according to claim 10, whereinsaid tree structure contains a hierarchical structure consisting of adocument, chapters and pages.
 19. The document processing methodaccording to claim 11, wherein said tree structure contains ahierarchical structure consisting of a document, chapters and pages. 20.The document processing method according to claim 1, further comprisinga judging step of judging whether the boundary between originals nearestto said cursor is a boundary of print data, when the cursor is locatedon a display screen indicating that the plurality of originals have beenmerged into one page of print data, wherein said first display controlstep assigns a different bar depending on whether or not the boundarybetween originals is a boundary of the print data.
 21. The documentprocessing method according to claim 1, wherein when said draggedgraphic object representing the desired original is dropped, the desiredoriginal is inserted into a place where said mark is displayed.
 22. Adocument processing method for editing a document consisting of aplurality of originals, wherein said document has a tree structure, andsaid originals and nodes have their respective attributes, and saidmethod comprising a display control step of controlling a process ofdisplaying a mark indicating whether the attributes are unique to theoriginals and nodes, with graphic objects of the originals and nodes.23. A document processing system for editing a document formed from aplurality of originals, comprising: a display control unit forcontrolling a process of displaying a graphic object representing adesired original such that the graphic object moves on a document inresponse to instructions to drag the graphic object, when moving orcopying said desired original on a certain portion of the document; anda recognition unit for recognizing a boundary between originals in thedocument, near a position of a cursor for dragging the graphic object,wherein said display control unit controls a process of displaying amark for indicating to which areas on both sides of the boundary saiddesired original be to belong.
 24. A document processing apparatus forediting a document formed from a plurality of originals, comprising: afirst display control unit for controlling a process of displaying agraphic object representing a desired original such that the graphicobject moves on a document in response to instructions to drag thegraphic object, when moving or copying said desired original on acertain portion of the document; and a recognition unit for recognizinga boundary between originals in the document, near a position of acursor for dragging the graphic object, wherein said first displaycontrol unit controls a process of displaying a mark for indicating towhich areas on both sides of the boundary said desired original be tobelong.
 25. The document processing apparatus according to claim 24,wherein said mark is a bar which represents the boundary betweenoriginals in said document.
 26. The document processing apparatusaccording to claim 25, wherein said first display control unit displayssaid bar as a thicker line, in a deeper color, or in a different colorthan other graphic objects.
 27. The document processing apparatusaccording to claim 24, wherein said document is stored in a treestructure of originals, and further comprising a second display controlunit for controlling a process of displaying a first display screen inwhich the tree structure is shown and a second display screen in whichthe tree structure is not shown, wherein said second display controlunit controls a process of assigning a bar indicating a belonging nodeto a boundary at a higher level on the second display screen.
 28. Thedocument processing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein saiddocument is stored in a tree structure of originals, and furthercomprising a third display control unit for controlling a process ofdisplaying a first display area where a tree structure is shown and asecond display area where the tree structure is not shown, on a singlescreen, wherein said third display control step controls displayprocesses so that a bar indicating a belonging node is assigned to aboundary at a higher level when the cursor is located in the seconddisplay area.
 29. The document processing apparatus according to claim27, wherein in said first display screen, a tree showing a documentstructure in a tree format is displayed, and in said second displayscreen, a preview showing content of print data is displayed.
 30. Thedocument processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein in saidfirst display area, a tree showing a document structure in a tree formatis displayed, and in said second display area, a preview showing contentof print data is displayed.
 31. The document processing apparatusaccording to claim 27, wherein there are two bars indicating a belongingnode and said first display control unit displays valid one of said twobars.
 32. The document processing apparatus according to claim 28,wherein there are two bars indicating a belonging node and said firstdisplay control unit displays valid one of said two bars.
 33. Thedocument processing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein there aretwo bars indicating a belonging node and said first display control unitdisplays valid one of said two bars in such a way that said valid onecan be distinguished from the other.
 34. The document processingapparatus according to claim 28, wherein there are two bars indicating abelonging node and said first display control unit displays valid one ofsaid two bars in such a way that said valid one can be distinguishedfrom the other.
 35. The document processing apparatus according to claim27, wherein said tree structure contains a hierarchical structureconsisting of a document, chapters and pages.
 36. The documentprocessing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said tree structurecontains a hierarchical structure consisting of a document, chapters andpages.
 37. The document processing apparatus according to claim 29,wherein said tree structure contains a hierarchical structure consistingof a document, chapters and pages.
 38. The document processing apparatusaccording to claim 30, wherein said tree structure contains ahierarchical structure consisting of a document, chapters and pages. 39.The document processing apparatus according to claim 31, wherein saidtree structure contains a hierarchical structure consisting of adocument, chapters and pages.
 40. The document processing apparatusaccording to claim 32, wherein said tree structure contains ahierarchical structure consisting of a document, chapters and pages. 41.The document processing apparatus according to claim 33, wherein saidtree structure contains a hierarchical structure consisting of adocument, chapters and pages.
 42. The document processing apparatusaccording to claim 34, wherein said tree structure contains ahierarchical structure consisting of a document, chapters and pages. 43.The document processing apparatus according to claim 24, furthercomprising a judging unit for judging whether the boundary betweenoriginals nearest to said cursor is a boundary of print data, when thecursor is located on a display screen indicating that the plurality oforiginals have been merged into one page of print data, wherein saidfirst display control unit assigns a different bar depending on whetheror not the boundary between originals is a boundary of the print data.44. The document processing apparatus according to claim 24, furthercomprising an original inserting unit for inserting the desired originalinto the place where said mark is displayed wherein when said draggedgraphic object representing the desired original is dropped.
 45. Adocument processing apparatus for editing a document consisting of aplurality of originals, wherein said document has a tree structure, andsaid originals and nodes have their respective attributes, comprising: adistinguishing unit for distinguishing whether the attributes are uniqueto the originals and nodes; and a display control unit for displaying amark indicating the result of distinction with graphic objects of theoriginals and nodes.
 46. A document processing program for editing adocument consisting of a plurality of originals, comprising: a firstdisplay control module for controlling a process of displaying a graphicobject representing a desired original such that the graphic objectmoves on a document in response to instructions to drag the graphicobject, when moving or copying said desired original on a certainportion of the document; and a recognition module for recognizing aboundary between originals in the document, near a position of a cursorfor dragging the graphic object, wherein said first display controlmodule controls a process of displaying a mark for indicating to whichareas on both sides of the boundary said desired original be to belong.47. The document processing program according to claim 46, wherein saiddocument is stored in a tree structure of originals, and furthercomprising: a second display control module for controlling a process ofdisplaying a first display screen in which the tree structure is shownand a second display screen in which the tree structure is not shown,wherein said second display control module controls a process ofassigning a bar indicating a belonging node to a boundary at a higherlevel on the second display screen; and a third display control modulefor controlling a process of displaying a first display area where atree structure is shown and a second display area where the treestructure is not shown, on a single screen, wherein said third displaycontrol module controls display processes so that a bar indicating abelonging node is assigned to a boundary at a higher level when thecursor is located in the second display area.
 48. A document processingprogram for editing a document consisting of a plurality of originals,wherein said document has a tree structure, and said original and nodeshave their respective attributes, comprising a display control modulefor controlling a process of displaying a mark indicating whether theattributes are unique to the originals and nodes, with graphic objectsof the originals and nodes.
 49. A computer-readable recording medium forstoring a document processing program for editing a document consistingof a plurality of originals, said program comprising: a first displaycontrol module for controlling a process of displaying a graphic objectrepresenting a desired original such that the graphic object moves on adocument in response to instructions to drag the graphic object, whenmoving or copying said desired original on a certain portion of thedocument; and a recognition module for recognizing a boundary betweenoriginals in the document, near a position of a cursor for dragging thegraphic object, wherein said first display control module controls aprocess of displaying a mark for indicating to which areas on both sidesof the boundary said desired original be to belong.
 50. Thecomputer-readable recording medium according to claim 49, wherein saiddocument is stored in a tree structure of originals, and furthercomprising: a second display control module for controlling a process ofdisplaying a first display screen in which the tree structure is shownand a second display screen in which the tree structure is not shown,wherein said second display control module controls a process ofassigning a bar indicating a belonging node to a boundary at a higherlevel on the second display screen; and a third display control modulefor controlling a process of displaying a first display area where atree structure is shown and a second display area where the treestructure is not shown, on a single screen, wherein said third displaycontrol module controls display processes so that a bar indicating abelonging node is assigned to a boundary at a higher level when thecursor is located in the second display area.
 51. A computer-readablerecording medium for storing a document processing program for editing adocument consisting of a plurality of originals, wherein said documenthas a tree structure, and said original and nodes have their respectiveattributes, said program comprising a display control module forcontrolling a process of displaying a mark indicating whether theattributes are unique to the originals and nodes, with graphic objectsof the originals and nodes.